If you're preparing for the Ontario Bar Exams, one of the first questions you’ll encounter is:
What’s the difference between the Barrister Exam and the Solicitor Exam—and which one should I write?

This confusion is extremely common among law graduates and internationally trained lawyers entering the licensing process. While both exams are part of becoming a licensed lawyer in Ontario, they test different skills, subjects, and practical competencies.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can prepare confidently and choose the right path for your career.

What Are the Ontario Bar Exams?

The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) requires licensing candidates to complete two major written exams:

1. The Barrister Licensing Examination
2. The Solicitor Licensing Examination

Both are open-book, multiple-choice exams designed to test your ability to apply Ontario law in real practice settings.

To become licensed as a lawyer in Ontario, you must complete both exams.
However, you’re free to decide which one to write first.

Barrister Exam vs Solicitor Exam: Key Differences

Here’s a clear breakdown of how the two exams differ in focus, content, and competencies.

1. Subject Areas Covered

Barrister Exam Subjects (Advocacy-Focused)

The Barrister Exam tests areas related to litigation, advocacy, and courtroom practice:

• Criminal Law
• Family Law
• Civil Litigation
• Public Law
• Evidence
• Professional Responsibility

Best for: Candidates who enjoy litigation, advocacy, and courtroom-based work.

Solicitor Exam Subjects (Transactional-Focused)

The Solicitor Exam focuses on solicitor-side topics that arise in corporate, real estate, and estate planning practice:

• Business Law
• Real Estate
• Wills & Estates
• Trusts
• Planning & Administration
• Professional Responsibility

Best for: Candidates who prefer paperwork, contracts, drafting, and transactional legal work.

2. Skills Each Exam Tests

Barrister Exam

Focuses on the ability to:

• Analyze legal disputes
• Apply case law
• Understand court procedures
• Make litigation-based decisions
• Interpret evidence
• Manage client advocacy

It’s designed to simulate real-world courtroom and litigation reasoning.

Solicitor Exam

Focuses on the ability to:

• Draft and interpret agreements
• Transfer property
• Advise clients on transactions
• Plan estates
• Identify risks in business structures
• Solve non-litigious legal problems

It simulates real-world transactional and advisory work.

3. Exam Difficulty: Which One Is Harder?

Both exams are challenging in different ways:

Barrister Exam – Harder for Some Because:

• Heavy on application and situational reasoning
• Can feel dense due to litigation procedures
• Many candidates find evidence questions tricky

Solicitor Exam – Harder for Others Because:

• Covers more technical, transactional details
• Requires understanding complex financial and property concepts
• Wills & Estates can be very information-heavy

There is no universally “easier” exam.
Your background, interests, and comfort level will determine which one feels harder.

4. Which Exam Should You Write First?

The LSO allows candidates to write the exams in any order.
However, your choice should depend on:

✔ Your study strengths

• If you’re stronger in litigation → start with Barrister
• If you prefer transactional content → start with Solicitor

✔ Your articling or work placement

If your placement focuses on:

• Criminal, civil, or family litigation → take Barrister first
• Corporate, real estate, or estate planning → take Solicitor first

✔ Your confidence level

Choose the exam you feel more comfortable with to build momentum.

Do You Need to Write Both Exams?

Yes.
To be licensed as a lawyer in Ontario, you must successfully complete:

• The Barrister Licensing Examination
• The Solicitor Licensing Examination
• Experiential training (Articling or LPP)
• Professional Responsibility requirements

Passing both is mandatory.

Study Strategy: How to Prepare for Each Exam

Success on the Ontario Bar Exams requires:

✔ Consistent daily practice

✔ Understanding major subject frameworks

✔ Lots of exam-style questions

✔ Timed mock exams

✔ Smart tracking of strengths & weaknesses

This is exactly why we built BarBuddy.ca — to help you prepare smarter, faster, and more confidently.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should YOU Write?

If you love litigation, case analysis, and courtroom dynamics → start with the Barrister Exam.
If you prefer business law, contracts, real estate, and estate planning → start with the Solicitor Exam.

No matter which one you choose first, remember:
You must pass both to become a licensed Ontario lawyer.

And with the right tools, you can pass them confidently.

Preparing for the Ontario Bar Exams?

BarBuddy Can Help.**

BarBuddy gives you:
✔ 400+ realistic practice questions
✔ Timed mock exams
✔ Progress tracking
✔ Smart study strategy tools
✔ A clean, simple exam-style interface

Designed by law graduates. Built for your success.

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